Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Definition

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of
breast cancer
. It is different because it grows in more of a sheet-like shape and brings changes to the skin in response to inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body is fighting infection, injury, or irritation. The changes in the skin appear similar to other conditions like
mastitis
. Early diagnosis and treatment are important with IBC. The sooner it is found, the more favorable the outcome.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Eventually these uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems in the cells, but is probably a combination of genetics and environment.

Risk Factors

The average age for women with IBC (59 years old) is lower than that of women with other breast cancers. Other factors that may increase your chance of IBC include:

If cancer is detected, the cancerous tissue will also be tested to look for:

Hormone receptors

HER2 gene—suggests an aggressive form of cancer

The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. IBC is generally detected in later stages, which gives cancer cells more time to invade other tissues.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Finding cancer in later stages reduces the chances of a favorable outcome. Better outcomes are achieved with a combination of therapies.

Treatment may include one or more of the following:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms including pill, injection, and via an IV. The drugs travel through the body in the blood, killing mostly cancer cells. Some healthy cells are killed as well. Chemotherapy drugs for IBC may include:

Anthracyclines

Taxane

Antimetabolites

Surgery

The only surgery recommended for IBC is a modified radical
mastectomy
. This involves removal of the whole breast, lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles under the breast.

Radiation

Radiation therapy
is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be necessary in cases when chemotherapy prior to surgery isn't effective. Radiation may be used to shrink cancer cells in advance of surgery. Types of radiation therapy include:

External radiation therapy—radiation directed at the breast from a source outside the body

Internal radiation therapy—radioactive materials placed into the breast in or near the cancer cells

Other

There are other factors about your specific type of cancer that can affect treatment such as:

Hormone receptors—some cancers have hormone receptors attached to them. Certain drugs can target these receptors to help control or eliminate the cancer. This hormone therapy may include drugs such as:

Tamoxifen

Aromatase inhibitor

HER2—Cancers with the HER2 gene tend to be more aggressive. Drugs that may be effective against HER2-positive cancer include:

Trastuzumab

Lapatinib

Prevention

It is important to catch IBC as early as possible. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor right away. If you are being treated for mastitis that is not responding to treatment, see your doctor again.

Breast exams may help identify changes in your breast, such as the orange-peel skin. For breast exams, the
American Cancer Society
recommends:

Women aged 20 or older may perform a
breast self-exam
(BSE) every month. Report any changes to your doctor right away.

Women aged 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional every three years. Starting at age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam every year.

A breast exam should be done more regularly if there is a family history or there have been previous breast biopsies.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.